Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Doctor Who - 48 Years/Christmas 2011 Spoilers

Yes, today is the day where Doctor Who turns 48. Who would've thought that all those years we'd have a series that has produced 32 televised series, a movie (or three/four), four spin-offs and has become a cultural icon in a massive way. So as a result, I'm gonna pick a few favourites from the series - 11 to be precise.

The Dalek Invasion Of Earth: Didn't this story prove that sequels can surpass the original because the second outing for the pepperpots was better than their first. And Susan's departure was nicely done as well.

The War Games: For a story that's ten episodes long, the biggest miracle of this thing isn't the harsh regeneration forced on the Doctor or Jamie and Zoe having their memories wiped, but more the fact that each episode really keeps the pace moving nicely. Plus, the War Chief. Can't forget about him.

The Three Doctors: It's the first multi-Doctor story we got and it's the best one too. A brilliant way of celebrating the show's first twn years and Omega was a lot more interesting here than he would be in future encounters with the Doctor.

Genesis Of The Daleks: It's a cliched story to pick but the debut of Davros and the ethics behind whether or not the Doctor had the right to end his ultimate enemies once and for all still makes for gripping viewing all these years later.

The Five Doctors: Another cliched choice but the first five Doctors (well Four from Shada), most of the companions as well as baddies such as the Master, Cybermen, Yeti, a Dalek and Borusa did make for a fun anniversary story.

Revelation Of The Daleks: Six's era gets too much criticism for my liking. It's hardly perfect but it's nowhere near as bad as some people make it out to be and this story where he and Peri encountered Davros and two versions of the Daleks is one of my favourites.

Survival: It might not have been meant as a series finale at the time of filming it and the whole 'survival of the fittest' mantra won't win points for subtlety but this is an absolute gem of a story and actually was one of the best uses of the Master too. Plus Seven and Ace are a dream team for me.

The Movie: I feel this gets too much hate and while I don't want an Americanised series and thought the half-human reveal was somewhat naff, Paul McGann's only onscreen portrayal of the Doctor was rather superb.

Bad Wolf/The Parting Of The Ways: Parodying reality TV fodder even by 2005 was rather old hat but this show managed to have some fun with it in a way that put others to shame. Plus the Daleks were at their best in this story and the regeneration from Nine to Ten was something to be hold as well as the brilliance of Rose, Jack, Mickey, Jackie and poor Lynda as well.

The End Of Time: Literally this could be seen as a televised version of fanfiction. The Doctor vs. the Master and Rassilon, returns of Wilfred, Donna, Martha, Mickey, Rose, Jack, Sarah Jane as well as a plethora of other minor character, this was a great way of both wrapping up the Tenth Doctor's run on the series.

A Good Man Goes To War: It's harder picking a favourite 11th Doctor story and it's always going to change but I'm picking the mid-season finale of Series 6 (or Season 32) for the time being. Great use of many characters and the reveal of River actually being the daughter of Amy and Rory still packs a punch too.

It’s Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home. He promises to repay her kindness – all she has to do is make a wish. Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever. The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true.

Matt Smith has also mentioned that filming for Series 7 begins in February 2012 where 14 episodes will be filmed, comprising of a 2012 Christmas special and a special for the 50th anniversary. More details are soon to follow.

About Me

My name is Shawn Lunn and when I don't blog regularly on TV, I write a serious amount of reviews for a variety of different TV programmes as well as comics, books and DVDs pertaining to them (which can be found on my TV Tome and Shawnlunn2002 TVHITS Yahoo Group, also linked here) as well as on this blog. I'm a huge fan of all innovative and smart television.